WARNING
Do not use gasoline or solvents to clean filter element. Flammable cleaning agents can cause an intake system fire, which could result in death or serious injury. (00101a)
NOTICE
Install air filter before running engine. Failure to do so can draw debris into the engine and could result in engine damage. (00207a)
NOTE
Refer to Maintenance Scheduling → Regular Service Intervals → Regular Service Intervals: 2012 FLHXSE3 Service Intervals. Remove air cleaner cover and inspect filter element at proper intervals. When operated under dusty conditions, inspect more often.
  1. Remove fasteners (1) and air cleaner insert (2).
  2. Remove fastener (3) and air cleaner cover (4).
  3. Remove fasteners (5) and air filter element (6).
    4. NOTE
    • Never strike filter element on a hard surface to dislodge dirt.
    • Fill the cleaning pan only about 9.5 mm (0.375 in) deep to prevent dirty cleaning solution from entering the inside of the element.
  4. Use a shallow pan with lukewarm water and a mild detergent to wash the paper/wire mesh filter element. Roll the element in the solution to soak the entire outer perimeter being careful not to let cleaning solution inside the element.
  5. Remove element and allow five minutes for solution to dissolve dirt.
  6. From the inside out, rinse the element.
  7. Shake off excess water and allow filter element to air dry. Do NOT use compressed air!
  8. Hold the filter element up to a strong light source. The element is sufficiently clean if light is uniformly visible through the media.
  9. Replace the filter element if damaged or if filter media cannot be adequately cleaned.
    10. NOTE
    Never apply oil to air filter element.
  10. Apply a drop of LOCTITE 243 MEDIUM STRENGTH THREADLOCKER AND SEALANT (blue) to the threads of the filter element fasteners (5). Tighten screws to specification. Refer to Table 1.
  11. Install air cleaner cover (4) and tighten fastener (3) to specification. Refer to Table 1.
  12. Install insert (2) and tighten screw (1) to specification. Refer to Table 1.
    13. NOTE
    Water intrusion could occur in rainy conditions with an exposed filter element:
    • When parked resulting in internal engine damage.
    • When running resulting in engine misfire.
    When not operating the motorcycle, cover the exposed air filter element with the provided rain sock to prevent the chance of water intrusion.
Table 1. Air Cleaner Fastener Torque
FASTENER
TORQUE
Air filter element
6.2–6.8 N·m (55–60 in-lbs)
Air cleaner cover
4–6.8 N·m (36–60 in-lbs)
Air cleaner insert
3.1–3.6 N·m (27–32 in-lbs)
1Air cleaner insert fastener (2)
2Air cleaner insert
3Air cleaner cover fastener
4Air cleaner cover
5Air filter element fastener (3)
6Air filter element
Figure 1. Air Cleaner Cover